Shock-absorbing mechanism for motor-vehicles



S. L. c. COLEMAN. SHOCK A'BSORBING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 21, I918.

v W I M M a 4 .M m m M 4 i, H fl S. L. C. COLEMAN. SHOCK ABSORBINGMECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 21, 9Y8- 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2- It'll,

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S. L. C. COLEMAN.

Patented Sept. 14, 1920.

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SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. APPLICATION.FILED MAR. 21.I 9l8.

1 53,029, Patented Sept. 14, 1920.

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UNITED sures rtur oFr ciE'.

STEPHEN LEONARD CHAUNCEY C OLEMAN, 0F FBEDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK,

CANADA. m

SHOCK-ABSORBING MECHANISM FOR MOTOR-VEHICLES.

21, 1918. Serial No. 223,818.

To all whom it may concern: 7

Be it known that I, STEPHEN LEONARD CHAUNoEY COLEMAN, a subject of theKing of Great Britain, residing at Fredericton, in the county of York,Province of New Brunswick, Dominion of Canada, have invented certain newand useful Improvements in ShockAbsorbing Mechanism forMotor-Vehicles,of which the following is a specification, referencebeing had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to improvements in shock absorbing mechanism formotor vehicles, the subject matter of the'present aplication being adivision of an application berial No. 119,93, filed September 13, 1 916.

The object of the invention is to provide improved shock absorbingmechanism for cushioning the axles against longitudinal shocks andpreventing or reducing the transmission to the vehicle body of suchlongitudinal shockscaused by the wheels striking obstructions or ruts intraveling over rough roads. 1

Another object of the inventionis to provide improved shock absorbingmeans for cushioning andpreventing or essening the strains and shocksincident to the driving mechanism including those due to accelerationsor retardations of the vehicle.

A further object of theinvention'is to provide improved shock absorbingmecha nism that will be of compact construction, that can be readilyapplied to present day types of machines without requiringmaterial'change of the forms of the chassis, and located and arranged soto take up but little space, to be entirely out of the way, and to beprotected.

A. still further object of the invention is to improve the constructionof shock absorbing mechanism'of this nature, to provide for moreefficient lubrication, the exclusion of dust and dirt therefrom, andgreater durability and efficiency in operation.

The invention with other objectsand advantages thereof and theparticular construction and arrangement of parts comprising the samewill be understood from the fol lowing detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings forming parthereof and illustrating one embodiment of the invention;

In the drawingsz'.

F1gure 1 is a top plan view ofa motor vehicle equipped with shockabsorbing mechanism in accordance with the invention.

F g-21s a side elevation.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1, the shockabsorbing mechanisin and the parts directly associated therewith beingshown'on an enlarged scale.

Figs. 4 and 5 are detail views, on an enlarged scale, of the pistonconstruction.

- Figs.'6, 7, and 8 are detail views ofthe movable anti-frictionbearing'devi'ce for the transmission-shaft. l Q

Fig. 9 is a section, on an enlarged scale, on l1ne'99 of 1'.

Fig, 10 is a detail sectional view on an enlarged scale of one endportion of the cushioning device and shaft casing.

V Fig. -11 is a detail sectional View on an enlarged scale of a portionof the cushioning device showing certain of the conduits for thecirculation of. lubricant, and the leakage of air from behind thepistons.

The invention comprehends the connec tion of the driving aXle or axleswith the frame so as to permit longitudinal movement of the driven axlerelative to the frame, and the provisionof cushioning means associated"with the drive connection between the m'otorand the driven axle, saiddriving connection having portions movable longitudinally relatively toeach other, the said cushioning means being constructed'and arranged toyieldably resist longitudinal movementof said portions of the drivingconnection relatively to each other, and longitudinal movement of thedriven axle relatively to the frame.

In the drawings, the vehicle body supporting frame or chassis isshown'as having side bars 1 and end bars 2, 3 designates the front axle,4 and 4 the rear driving axle and housing, and 5 the wheels. The drivenaxle iousing is connected with the vehicle body supporting frame so thatthe'aiile and housing can have movement longitudinally relatively to thevehicle body supporting frame.

In the particular construction illustrated in.

the drawings, the housing of the driven axle March Specification ofLetters Patent. Patented S t; 14 1920 Original application filedSeptember 13, 1916, Serial No. 119,934. Divided and this applicationfiled is connected to the vehicle supporting frame by springs disposedat opposite sides thereof,

each sorin CODSlStlH of a air of leaf spring members having their buttends secured together and pivotally connected to the side bars lof theframe, and their outer ends or tips pivotally connected respectively toone end of an equalizer bar 6 and one of the axles, the lower leafspring members being connected with the axle by shackles 7.

8 designates the engine mounting and housing secured at its front end toone end bar 2 of the frame and having lateral extensions or lugs 9suitably secured to the side bars 1 of the frame. 9 designates an innersection of the power transmission shaft supported upon the enginemounting 8;

In accordance with the teachings of the invention the transmission shaftand its houstioned section 12 having ahollow partly spherical part 12loosely fitting within a correspondingly formed partly spherical shapedhollow head, 15, the latter being shown as a separate part provided witha securing flange 15 fitting against and suitably secured to the rearend of the engine casing 8. The universal joint connections allowvertical and lateral movement of the driven axle and housing 4i4;relative to the vehicle supporting frame, and the sectional constructionof the transmission shaft and its housing permits longitudinal movementof the rear axle and housing relative to the vehicle supporting framewithout interference with the driving connection.

16-17 designate hearings on the housing sections 1213, for the shaftsections, 10-11. Extending from the universal joint connection 14 thereis ashort shaft section 15 which is provided with a socket 15 in one endthereof, and the shaft section 16 has a reduced port-ion 10 at one endextending through the bearing 16 and fitting within the socket 15 of theshaft section 15 the shouldered portion 18 of the shaft section 10hearing against one end face of the bearing 16, and the shaft section 10and shaft section 15 are secured together by a transverse fasteningmember 19. The housing section 12 is provided with openings to permitthe insertion of the fastening member 19, the openings being closed byremovable screw plugs 20. The shaft section 10 has a tubular part 10 inwhich is adapted to work a reduced portion 11' of the shaft section 11.An anti-friction bearing is provided between the shaft section 1011. Thebearing is of tubular formation and slidably fits within the tubularpart 16 of the shaft section 10,

and slidablyv fits over the reduced portion 11 of the shaft section 11,the: tubular part 16 at its interior having angularly related walls, andthe tubular anti-friction bearing and the reduced portion 11 of theshaft section 11 being correspondingly shaped in cross section sothat'while the parts are free for easy sliding movement, longitudinallyupon each other, the two shaft sections 1 011 are coupled to rotate.together. The anti-friction bearing is shown as consisting of asubstantially rectangular retaining frame or cage 21. in which arejournaled rolls 22 arranged in sets at the top, bottom and sides of theframe, the rolls 22 projecting beyond the frame at the inner and outerfaces thereof.

A hearing is provided between the outer end of the shaft section 10 andhousing section 12, said bearing formingv a support for the telescopingshaft. sections 1011 centrally of the bearing 1617 and acting inconjunction therewith to support and prevent lateral vibration of theshaftsections and housing sections relatively to each other. Thisbearing comprises a sleeve 23 having a threaded portion at its inner enddetachably engaging a threaded portion on the shaft section. Held inposition on the sleeve 23 by a nut 24: is a ball race member 25, and 26is a ball race member carried by the housing section 12, the lastmentioned ball retaining or race member 26 having an externally threadedportion detachably engaging a threaded portion on the housing section12. 27 represents the ball bearings between the race members 25--26.

In order to provide for maintaining the anti-friction bearing betweenthe shaft sections 1011 in proper working relation to said parts, Iprovide a gear connection comprising rack bars 28 29 connected to therespective shaft sections 10 -11, and a pin- 7 wall 32 of the cylinderto a flange 35 on the housing section. Within the cylinder at oppositeends thereof are annular pistons 36-37, and interposed between thepistons is cushioning means in the form of a coiled compression spring38.. The end or head 33 of the cylinder 31 is removable, said headhaving a flange 39, which is interiorly threaded and engages a threadedportion of the cylinder. 40-41 designate packing washers 1 VI h of felt.or the like located respectively at the outer ends of the bearing 1617,said Packings and 41 being provided at their outer sides with metalfacings or washers 42-43. The removable head 33 ofthe cylinder 31 isprovided adjacent its central opening with a tubular extension 44 whichhas a stufling box 45 at the outer end and slidably fitting within saidtubular extension 44 is a tubular piston rod 45 which is connected withthe piston 37. The housing section 13 slidably fits within the annularpiston 37 and its tubular piston rod 45, the latter being provided witha stufling box 46 making a fluid tight joint between these parts. Thepiston 36 slidably engages the housing section 12 and has securedthereto a cylinder 47, said cylinder being providedwith a removable endor head 48 that has a central opening at one end to slidablyfit over thehousing section 13. 49 designates anannular pistonin the cylinder 47fixed to the housing section 13, and interposed between saidpiston 49and the piston 36 is a coiled compression spring 50. Thepiston 36' isprovided with air ports 36 and with a check valve controlling the portsto permit the passage of air therethrough in one direction. Any suitableform of check valve may be employed for this purpose. The-particularconstruction shown, reference being had particularly to Figs. 4 and 5of-the drawings, comprises an annular plate 51 supported on short rodsslidably en aging apertures in the piston. .The plate 51 issecu'red tothe rods at the outer ends thereof, and the rods at their inner ends areprovided with heads 53 to limit the movement of the rods in onedirection. The pistons 3749' are provided respectively with air ports37" and 49' and these pistons are equipped with check valves that. aresimilar in construction to the check valves of the piston 36. I

54-54, and 55-55 designate respectively the valve plates and supportingrods for the pistons 37 and 49. On the houslng section 13 is a fixedabutment or shoulder 56 adapted when the housing section 13 is movedforwardly within the cylinder 31 to engage the stuffing. box at theouter end of the tubular pistonrod 45 and move said rod and itspistoirii'? forwardly against the tension of the coiled compressionspring 38. 57 designates radius rods connected at one end with the rearaxle housing 4 and at their opposite ends secured to the housing section13.

The operation of the device is as follows: in Fig. 3 of the drawings theparts are shown in normal position. When a shock is received through thehousing section 13 it causes said section to move forward within thecylinder 31, and the shoulder or abutment 56 on the housing section 13is brought into engagement with the stufiing box 46 .at the outer end ofthe tubular piston rod wardly against the tension of the spring 50.

On this forward movement of the pistons 37 and 49, the check valvesofthe pistons are forced open by the .air pressure and air is permittedto flow to the opposite sides of the pistons. When the shock hassubsided or been absorbed by the springs 38 and .50, the pistons areforced back by the springs to their normal positions. On the returnstroke of the pistons, the check valves thereof are closed by the airpressure, the pistons being cushioned in their return movement by theair compressed between one" side thereof and the end walls or heads ofthe cylinders. When a shock is received same rearwardly, the piston 36engages the end or head 32 of the cylinder '31 so that the cylinder andpiston are carried rearward with the housing section 12 against thegradually increasing resistance of the coiled compression spring 33.When the shock has been overcome by the spring, the piston 36 is forcedback to normal position by the spring. Upon the inner movement of thepiston 36 its check valve is opened by the air pressure, air flowingthrough the air ports in the piston to the opposite side thereof. Uponthe return stroke of the-piston 36 its check valve closes the air portsin the piston, provision being thus made for the cushioning of thepiston on its return stroke by the air compressed between the closedside of the piston and the end wall or head 32 of the cylinder. 1 Z

The auxiliary cylinder 47, spring 50, and piston 49 of the cushioningmeans is adapted to offset the effect of the thrust of the driveconnection so that substantially equal spring resistance is imposed bythe spring 38 to longitudinal movement of the rear axle relative to theframe under road shocks in opposite directions.

The cylinder 31 is adapted to be plentifully supplied with lubricatingoil through a filling opening 58' that is closed by av screw plug 59,and means is provided for effecting a circulation and thoroughdistribution of the lubricant to the various working parts and bearingsof the mechanism. The bearing 16 is provided with a bore 58 extendingthrough the same from one end thereof-to an annular oil groove 59 in thethrough the housing section 12 moving the inner face of the bearing. Thereduced nor bore 60 with the interior of the tubular part of the shaftsection 10. short conduit pipe 62 has one end fitted in the outer end ofthe bore 58. The pipe 62 extends through an opening in the housingsection 12 and has its outer end-connected with the outlet of a valvecasing 63. and 65'designate conduits leading respectively from the0pposite ends of the'cylinder 81 to inl'et passages 64-65 in the valvecasing 63, the passages being controlled by ball check valves SS-67which permit the flow oflubricant in one direction through the conduits6l65 to the short conduit pipe 62. Upon each return stroke of the piston36 and 37, a quantity of oil is forced under pressure from the ends ofthe cylinder 81 through one of the conduits 6465, the short pipe 62, thepassage 61 to the annular oil groove 58, thence flowing through thetransverse bore 60 and the passage 61 to the interior of the tubularpart 10 of the shaft 10, a sufficient quantity of the lubricant beingsupplied to the interior of said tubular portion 10 so that the movingparts within the outer cylinder 31 operate in a bath of oil, oil beingalso supplied to the bearings 16-17. 66 designates an opening thehousing section 12 providing a passage for the oil from the interior ofsaid housing section into the smaller cylinder 47, and 6'? is an openingin the piston 36 affording a passage for the lubricant from one end ofthe cylinder 47 back into the cylinder 31.

The conduits 64-65 leading to the valve casing 63 also serve to someextent to permit leakage of the air trapped behind the pistions 3637l9when they have been moved inwardly from the ends of the cylinder. The

invention comprehends the provision of other means for this purposewhereby the extent of leakage of air from behind the pistons may bevaried at will and graduated to a nicety. The means for this purpose isshown as consisting of a by-pass connection connected with the cylinder31 intermediate the ends thereof and leading from the interior of saidcylinder to an inlet port 71 located at one end of the valve casing 63.The valve casing has a passage 72 leading from said port to the valvechamber, said passage terminating in a valve seat 78. 74 is anadjustable needle valve adapted to cooperate with said valve seat 73.

It will'be observed that the invention provides for the cushioning ofshocks incident to the driving mechanismincluding the driving thrust,vibration due to variations in tie velocity of the driving shaft causedby the angle between the crank shaft and driving shaft, accelerationsand retardations of the vehicle, etc., as well'as road shocks. Theconstruction is ofa very simple, compact,

. durable nature, is located and arranged so as to be out of the way,can be employed without material change to the design of chassiscommonly employed, provision is made for thethorough lubrication of thevarious bearings and working'parts of the mechanism and the protectionof the same against theentrance of dust or sand thereto, and a verydurable and efficient construction is afiorde I desire it to beunderstood that while I have illustrated in the drawings arspecific formor embodiment of the invention that changes in and variations of theparticular construction shown, as will appeal to those skilled in theart and falling within the scope of the appended claims may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the inven-' tion.

That I claim is z r 1. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame,axles therefor, a motor on the frame, a longitudinally adjustabledrive'connection between the motor and one of the axles, a casing forsaid drive connection, said casing being connected with the frame andwith the driven axle and having intermediate telescoping portions, a ndcushioning means associated with said casing yieldably resistingmovement of said portions of the casing relatively to each other.

2. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor, powermechanism on the frame, a drive connection between the powermechanismand one of the axles including a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having slidably related portions, a casing for thetransmission shaft connected with the frame and with the driven axle andhaving slidably related portions, and cushioning means connected withthe said casing and yieldably resisting longitudinal movement of theslidably related portions of the casing relatively to each other; I

3. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor, amotor on the frame, a longitudinally extending adjustable driveconnection between the motor and one of the axles, a casing for saiddrive connection connected with the frame and the driven axle, andhaving a portion movable relatively to one of said parts permittinglongitudinal movement of the axle relatively to the frame, andcushioning means associated with said casing yieldably resisting longitudinal movement of the said driven axle relatively to the frame.

4. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor, powermechanism on the frame, an adjustable drive connection between the powermechanism and one of the axles, said driven axle being connectedwith'the frame for movement longitudinally thereof, and cushioning meansyieldablyre;

sisting longitudinal movement of the driven axle relatively to theframe, said cushioning means imposing a greater resistance to the withthe frame and with the driven axle and extending casing for said driveconnection,

the casing being connected with the frame and with the driven axle andhaving portions movable longitudinally relatively to each other, andcushioning means comprising a cylinder fixedly secured to one of themovable portions of the casing, the other portion of the casingextending within said cylinder, a main coiled compression spring in saidcylinder yieldably resisting longitudinal movement of the driven axleequally in both directions against road shocks, and

an auxiliary cushioning means within the cylinder acting to imposeresistance to the movement of the driven axle in a direction opposite tothe direction of the thrust of the 7 drive connection to offset orbalance the v thrust of the drive connection.

7. In a motor vehicle,the combination of a frame, axles therefor, amotor on the frame,

an adjustable drive connection between the motor and one of the axles, alongitudinally extending casing for said drive connection, the casingbeing connected with the frame and with the driven axle andhaviiigportions movable longitudinally relatively to 'eachother, and cushioningmeans compris ing a cylinder fixedly secured to one of the said movableportions of the cas ng, istons in the cylinder, spring cushioning meansin' the cylinder acting to resist movement of g the pistons in onedirection and to normallymaintain the pistons at opposite end portionsof the cylinder, and means on the other movable portion. of the casingconnecting one of the pistons with said portion for movement therewithupon movement be tween the movable portionsof the casing towardoneanother, and connecting the said movable portion with the other pistonupon movement between the movable portion of the casing away from oneanother.

8. In a motor vehicle, the" combination of a frame, axles therefor, amotor on the frame, an adjustable drive connection be tween the motorand one'of the axles, a longitudinally extending casing for said driveconnection, the casing being connected with the frame and with thedriven axle and having portions movable longitudinally relatively toeach other, and cushioning means comprising a cylinder fixedly securedto one of the movable portions of the casing, the other portion of thecasing extend ing within said cylinder,- pistons in the cylinder, springcushioning means in the cylinder acting to resist movement of thepistons in one direction andto normally maintain the pistons at oppositeend portions of the cylinder, and means on the other movable portion ofthe casing connecting one of the pistons with said portion for movementtherewith upon movement between said movable portions of the casingtoward one another, and connecting the said portion with the otherpiston upon the, movement between the said portions away from oneanother, said pistons being pro- I vided with air ports and check valvespermitting the passage of air through the ports of'the pistons inonedirection.

9; In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor, amotor on the frame, an adjustable drive connection between the motor andone of the axles, a longitudinally extending casing for said driveconnection, the casing being connectedwith the frame and with the drivenaxlc and having portions movable longitudinally iio portions of thecylinder, and means on the other movable portion of the casingconnecting one of the pistonswith said portion for movement therewithupon movement between said movable portions of the casing'f toward oneanother, a second cylinder within the first mentioned cylinder securedatone endto one of said pistons, a piston. in the second cylinder 'fixedlysecured upon said mova'bleportion"oflthe casing, spring cushioning meansbetween the piston in the second cylinder'and' the piston to which thesecond cylinder is connected, the piston in the second cylinder beingadapted to engage with one end portion of the second cylinder tionedcushioningmeans. i

10. In a motor veh cle, the combination and move the piston with whichit is connected against the tension of the first men of a frame, axlestherefor, a motor on the frame, an adjustable drive connection betweenthe motor and one of the axles, a longitudinally extending casing forsaid drive connection. the casing being connected with the frame'andwith the driven axle and having portions movable longitudinallyrelatively to each other, and cushioning means comprising a cylinderfixedly secured to one of the movable portions of the casing, the othermovable portion of the casing extend ing within said cylinder, pistonsin the cylinder, spring cushioning means in the cylinder acting toresist movement of the pistons in one direction and to normally maintainthe pistons at opposite end portions of the cylinder, and means on theother movable portion'of the casing connecting one of the pistons withsaid portion for movement therewith upon movement between said movableportions of the'casing toward one another, a second cylinder within thefirst mentioned cylinder secured at one end to one of said pistons, apiston in the second cylinder fixedly secured upon said movable portionof the casing, spring cushioning means between the piston in the secondcylinder and the piston to which the second cylinder is connected, thepiston in the second cylinder being adapted to engage with one endportion of the second cylinder and move the piston with which it isconnected against the tension of the first mentioned spring cushioningmeans, the piston in the second cylinder being provided with an air portand check valve permitting the passage of air through the port of thepiston in one direction. V r

11. Ina motor vehicle, the'combination of a frame, axles therefor, amotor on the frame, an adjustable drive connection between the motor andone of the axles, a 1on gitudinally extending casing for said driveconnection, the casing being connected with the frame and with thedriven axle and having portions movable longitudinally relatively toeach other, and cushioning means comprising a cylinder fixedly securedto one of the movable portions ofthe casing, the

other movable portion of the casing extending within said cylinder,pistons in the cylinder, a coiled compression spring within the cylinderacting to resist movement of the pistons in one direction and tonormally maintain the pistons at opposite end portions of the cylinder,and means on the other movable portion of the casing connecting one ofthe pistons with said' portion for movement therewith uponmovementbetween said movable portions of the casing toward one another,and connecting the said movable portion of the casing with the otherpiston upon movement between the said portions away from one another.

12. Shock absorbing mechanism for motor vehicles, comprising an outercylinder, pistons in the cylinder, spring cushioning means in thecylinder acting to resist movement of the pistons in one direction andto normally maintain the pistons at opposite end portions of thecylinder, a rod movable longitudinally of the cylinder, means on saidrod and one'of the pistons adapted to connect the rod with saidpistonuponthe movement of the rod in one direction, a second cylinder arrangedwithin-the outer cylinder and secured at one end to the other piston, apiston in said second cylinder at one thereof and secured to the saidrod, spring cushioning means interposed between the piston in the innercylinder and the piston to which the cylinder is connected, said pistonon the outward movement of the said rod being adapted to engage a parton the inner cylinder and move the piston to which it is connectedagainst the tension of the first mentioned cushioning means.

1?). Shock absorbing mechanism for motor vehicles, comprising an outercylinder, pistons in the cylinder, spring cushioning means in thecylinder acting to resist the movement of the pistons in one directionand to normally maintain thev pistons at opposite end portions of thecylinder, a rod movable longitudinally of the cylinder, means on saidrod and one'of the pistons adapted to connect the rod with said pistonother piston, a piston in said second cylinder at one end thereof andsecured to the said rod, spring cushioning means interposed between thepistons in the inner cylinder and the piston to which the inner cylinderis connected, said pistonon the outward movement of the said rod beingadapted to engage a part on the inner cylinder and move the piston towhich it is connected against the tension of the first mentionedcushioning means, and lubricant circulating means including a passageleading to the interior of the inner cylinder, va port leading'from theinner cylinder to the interior of the outer cylinder and separatepassages leading from opposite ends of the outer cylinder to said firstmentioned passage, said pistons acting upon their return stroke to forcelubricant from the outer cylinder to the said passage.

14:. Shock absorbing mechanism for motor vehicles, comprising an outercylinder, pistons in the cylinder, spring cushioning means in'thecylinder acting to resist the movement of the pistons in one directionand to normally maintain the pistons at op-i spring cushioning meansinterposed be-' tween the piston in the innercylinder and the piston towhich the cylinder is con: nected, said piston on the outward movementof the said rod being adapted to' engage a part on the inner cylinderand move the piston to which it is connected against the tension of thefirst mentioned cushioning, means, and lubricant (irculating meansincluding a passage leading to the interior of the inner cylinder, aport leadingfrom the inner cylinder to the interior of the outercylinder, separate passages leading from opposite ends of the outercylinder to said first. mentioned passage, and check valves in saidpassages permitting the flow oflubricant in one direction to the saidfirst mentioned passage, said pistons acting upon their return strokesto force lubricant from the outer. cylinder through the last mentionedpassages to the first mentioned pas sage. v

15. Shock absorbing mechanism for me torvehicles, comprising a cylinder,pistons in the cylinder, spring cushioning means in the cylinder actingto resist the movement of the pistons in one direction and to normallymaintain the pistons at opposite end portions of the cylinder, a rodmovable longitudinally of the cylinder, means connecting the rod v ithone of the pistons upon the movement of the rod in one direction, andwith the other piston upon the movement of the rod in the otherdirection, and luln'i ant circulating means includin a passage leadingto the interior of the cylin-v der, separate passages leading fromopposite ends of the cylinder to the first mentioned passage, and checkvalves in said passages permitting the flow of lubricant in onedirection through the passages to the first mentioned passage, saidpistons acting upon their return strokes to force lubricant from theouter cylinder through the last mentioned passages to the firstmentioned passage.

16. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechanism on the frame, a drive connection hetwecn the powermechanism and one of the le including a longitudinally extendinglongitudinally relatively to each other, a bearing interposed betweenand slidably engaging each of the said sections, and cushioning meansyieldably resisting longitudinal movement of said sections of thetransmission shaft relatively to each other.

17. in a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechatransmission shaft having sections movable nism on the frame,a drive'connection between the power mechanism and one of the axlesincluding a' longitudinally extending transmission shaft having sectionsmovable longitudinally relatively to each other, a hearing slidablyengaging and movable relatively to each of said sections, a gearconnection between the bearing and said shaft sections acting tomaintain the hearing in operative position relative to the shaftsections, andcushioning means yieldably resisting longitudinal movementof the shaft sections relatively to each other. 7

18. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles'therefor,power mechanism on the'frame,a drive connection betweenthepower-mechanism and one of the axles includin a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having sections movable longitiulinally relatively toeach other, one of 'd shaft sections having-a tubular por: tion an d theother shaft section'fitting within said tubular potion, a tubularanti-friction hearing slidaoly fitting within the tubular portion of oneshaft section, and slid ably fitting over the other shaft section, andcushioning means yieldably resisting longitudinal movement of saidse1tions of the transmission shaft relatively toeach other, y 19. In amotor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor, powermechanism on the frame, adrive connection between the power mechanismand one of t axles including a longitudinally extending transmissionshaft having sections movable of said shaft sections having a tubularportion and the other shaft'section fitting with in said tubularportion, a, tubular anti-friction bearing slidably fitting within thetuliular portion of one shaft section, and slidlongitudinally relativelyto eaclrother, one

ably fitting over theg'othen'shaft section, means for maintaining thetubular bearnig;

in operative position respecting the shaft sections, said meansinrludinga rack on each shaft section and a pinion on theloeari in'meshing with the racks of both sections,

and cushionin means yield-ably resisting longitudinal 5 movement of saidshaft ,seo.

tions relatively to each other.-

20. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechan1sm on the frame. a drive connectlon between the powermechanism and one of the axles ineluding a longitudinally extending"trans- 1 mission shaft-having sections movable longitudinallyrelatively'to each other, one of said shaft sections being provided witha longitudinally extending bore having angw.

larly related walls, the other shaft section having a portion shaped in'cross section to correspond tothe shape ofthe bore of the other sectionand fitting within said bore, a tubular bearing of general shape incross section corresponding with the shape of the bore and said portionof the other shaft section, said tubular bearing fitting within the borefor longitudinal sliding movement to each other.

'21. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechanism on the frame, a drive connection between the powermechanism and one of the axles including a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having sections movable longitudinally relatively toeach other, one of said shaft sections being provided with a tubularportion having angularly related walls, the other shaft section having aportion correspondingly shaped in cross section to fit withinthe'tubular portion of the other section, a tubular bearing arranged toslide longitudinally within'the tubular portion of one shaft section,and to, fit around the portion of the other shaft section forlongitudinal movement respecting the same, said tubular bearingcomprising a frame of general shape in cross section corresponding tothe tubular portion of one of the shaft sections, and anti-frictionrollers journaled in the walls of the frame-and projecting from oppositesides thereof, and cushioning means yieldably resisting longitudinalmovement of the said shaft sections relatively to each other.

22. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechanism on the frame, a drive connection between the powermechanism and one of the axles including a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having sections movable longitudinally relatively toeach other, one of said shaft sections'being provided with a tubularportion having angularly related walls, the other shaft section having aportion correspondingly shaped in cross section to fit within thetubular portion of the other section, a tubular bearing arranged toslide longitudinally within the tubular portion of one shaft section,and to fit around the portion of the other shaft section forlongitudinal movement respecting the same, said tubular bearingcomprising a frame of general shape in cross section corresponding tothe tubular portion of one of the shaft sections, anti-friction rollersjournaled in the walls of the frame and projecting from opposite sidesthereof,

means for maintaining the tubular bearing 1n operative relation with theshaft sectlons, sald means including longltudlnally extending racks onthe shaft sections, an arm extending from the tubular bearing, a pinionjournaled on the sald arm and meshing wlth the racks of both of saidbearing sections,

and cushioning means yieldably resisting longitudinal movement of saidshaft sections relatively to each other.

23. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechanism on the frame, a drive connection between the powermechanism and one of the axles including a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having sections movable longitudinally relatively toeach other, one of said sections being provided with a longitudinallyextending bore, the other shaft section fitting within the said bore, atransmission shaft housing having telescoping sections, cushioning meansassociated with the telescoping sections of the transmission shafthousing yieldably resisting longitudinal movement of the sectionsrelatively to each other, said cushioning means including a cylinderonone end of one of the housing sections, the other housing section beingarranged to slide within said cylinder, spring cushioning means withinthe cylinder and lubricant circulating means including a passageextending from the interior of one of the housing sections to theinterior of said bore of one of the shaft sections, and a conduitleading from the interior of the said cylinder to the first mentionedpassage.

24. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechanism .on the frame, a drive connection between the powermechanism and one of the sections including a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having sections in sliding telescoping relation, acasing for the transmission shaft, said casing having partition wallstherein at separated points provided with openings through which thetelescoping portions ofrthe transmission shaft extend, said partitionwalls forming with the casing a chamber for lubricant about thetelescoping shaft section.

25. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, axles therefor,power mechanism on the frame, a drive connection between the powermechanism and one of theaxles in-' cluding a longitudinally extendingtransmission shaft having sections in sliding telescoping relation, :1,housing for the transmission shaft, the housing having telescopingsections, each housing section having a bearing located interiorlythereof for one of the sections. 7

26. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a frame, power mechanism onthe frame, a drive connection between the power mechanism and one of theaxles including a longitudinally extending transmission shaft havingsections in sliding telescoping relation, a housing for the transmissionshaft, the housing having telescoping sections, each housing sectionhaving a bearing located interiorly thereof for one of the shaftsections, and a bearing between one of the shaft sections at its innerend and the housing,

said last mentioned bearing being arranged intermediate the firstmentioned bearings.

27. Shock absorbing mechanism, comprising a cylinder, pistons in thecylinder, the

maintain the pistons at opposite end por tions of the cylinder, andadjustable means providing for escape of the air from behind thepistons, a rod movable longitudinally of the cylinder, and meansconnecting the rod with one of the pistons upon movement of the rod inone direction and with the other piston upon movement of the rod in theother direction.

28. Shock absorbing mechanism comprising a cylinder, pistons in thecylinder, said pistons being provided with air ports and check valvespermitting the passage of air through the ports of the pistons in onedirection, spring cushioning means in the cylinder acting to resist themovement of the pistons in one direction and to normally maintain thepistons at opposite end portions of the cylinder, a rod movablelongitudinally of the cylinder, and means connecting the rod with one ofthe pistons upon the movement of the rod in one direction and with theother piston upon the movement of the rod in the other direction.

29. Shock absorbing mechanism comprismg a cylinder, plStOIlS; 1n the cylnder, sprlng cushioning means acting to resist the movement of thepistons in one direction and to direction and with the other piston uponthe movement of the rod in the opposite direction, each of said pistonsbeing provided with an air port and a check valve permitting the passageof air through the port in the piston in one direction on the forwardmovement of the piston providing for the pneumatic cushioning of thepistons upon their return strokes.

30. Sh0ck absorbing mechanism comprising a cylinder, pistons in thecylinder, spring cushioning means in the, cylinder between'the pistonsactingv to resist the movement of the pistons in one direction, one ofsaid pistons'having a tubular piston rod eX tending outside of thecylinder at one end thereof, a longitudinally movable rod slid ablyfitting within saidtubular piston rod,

a piston rodconnected with the other piston and slidably engaging saidlongitudi nally movable rod, an abutment member on said last mentionedpiston rod, said 1ongitudinally movable rod being provided with anabutment member adapted to engage'the outer end of the tubular pistonrod to connect its piston with the longitudinally movable rod upon themovement of the rod in one direction, said longitudinally movable rodalso having an abutment member adapted to engage the abutment member onthe other piston rod upon the movement of the longitudinally movable rodin the opposite direction to couple the-other piston with the rod. I

31. Shock absorbing mechanism, including a cylinder, a piston in thecylinder,

cushioning means in the cylinder acting to resist movement of the pistonin one direction, a piston rod connected with the pis-' ton, said pistonbeing provided with a port and a check valve permitting the passage offluid through said port in one direction,

and lubricant circulating means including a passage leading from one endof the cylinder to the interior of the cylinder and a check valve in thepassage permitting the low of fluid through said passage in one di- 7rection, said piston acting-to force lubricant from one end of thecylinder through said passage.

In testimony whereof hereunto my I signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

STEPHEN LEONARD OHAUNOEY COLEMAN.

Witnesses:

ARTHUR J. SIMPsoN, J .N. TURRENTINE.

